In their march toward a state income tax, legislative Democrats tacked on a curious clause on the 85th and final page of their bill that declares it “necessary for the support of the state government and its existing public institutions.”
The practical effect of this provision prohibits citizens from bringing a straightforward yes-or-no referendum on the tax to the ballot. A seismic public policy shift will instead be foisted upon Washington state residents, depriving voters of voicing a simple up-or-down vote.
…Speaking on the Senate floor earlier this month, Minority Leader John Braun, R‑Centralia, criticized the necessity clause attached to the income tax, calling it “an effort to deceive the voters.” An amendment to remove the clause, raised by state Sen. Drew MacEwen, R-Shelton, failed on a 28-21 vote, though two Democrats supported it.